Contemplating cancelling my M1 MBP for the same MBA config ...

[The Cockney Rebel]

I’m contemplating cancelling my M1 MBP order and getting the same config MBA.

I‘ve ordered a 512 16.

The only reason I’m thinking of the MBA is because I think it will be more comfortable to type on, what with the tapered design. However, the Pro has its pros (no pun intended) with its better speakers and mics, faster charger, larger battery, brighter screen etc.

What have you gone with (including config)?

Is the MBA that much more comfortable to use/type on?

Thanks in advance.

 

[deeddawg]

My M1 MBP has been perfectly comfortable to use - whether at my desk or kitchen table or in my lap with my feet up in the den.

I've switched to it from a combination of an early 2020 MBA and 2018 MBP15.

As for that slope - according to my iphone Measure app (level function), my Intel MBA's slope is 1 degree. Not exactly a lot.

 

[OdT22]

I don’t think so. I’ve used the MBAs for years and now have a MBP (8/256) M1. While older MBPs were uncomfortable due to weight, the new version is very comfortable IMO. Granted I don’t type for hours at a time. Mostly just quick replies to emails and texts, web searches, etc.

Charging only twice a week instead of daily (sometimes twice) is amazing. I went with the pro for the extra battery alone and am glad I did.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I don’t think so. I’ve used the MBAs for years and now have a MBP (8/256) M1. While older MBPs were uncomfortable due to weight, the new version is very comfortable IMO. Granted I don’t type for hours at a time. Mostly just quick replies to emails and texts, web searches, etc.

Charging only twice a week instead of daily (sometimes twice) is amazing. I went with the pro for the extra battery alone and am glad I did.

Thanks for the reply, buddy.

You‘ve made me more comfortable with my decision.

So the golden question: Is the M1 as amazing as literally everyone is stating??

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

My M1 MBP has been perfectly comfortable to use - whether at my desk or kitchen table or in my lap with my feet up in the den.

I've switched to it from a combination of an early 2020 MBA and 2018 MBP15.

As for that slope - according to my iphone Measure app (level function), my Intel MBA's slope is 1 degree. Not exactly a lot.

Thanks for the info 😉.

 

[deeddawg]

So the golden question: Is the M1 as amazing as literally everyone is stating??

Very happy with mine. Snappy, silent. Keyboard is great. Haven't found any software I use which doesn't work fine - and as fast or faster than on my prior systems even when running via Rosetta.

Only real downside is no support for dual external monitors, even in clamshell, without getting into Displaylink stuff. This perhaps will be remedied in the future when the four-port models transition to Apple Silicon. Hasn't been a big deal for me though. (lack of Windows support is a non-issue for me, I've not needed that on mac in years)

Way I figured - my intel MBA/MBP resale values weren't going to be any higher than they are now, the M1 looked like it'd suit my needs, so I pulled the trigger.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Very happy with mine. Snappy, silent. Keyboard is great. Haven't found any software I use which doesn't work fine - and as fast or faster than on my prior systems even when running via Rosetta.

Only real downside is no support for dual external monitors, even in clamshell, without getting into Displaylink stuff. This perhaps will be remedied in the future when the four-port models transition to Apple Silicon. Hasn't been a big deal for me though. (lack of Windows support is a non-issue for me, I've not needed that on mac in years)

Way I figured - my intel MBA/MBP resale values weren't going to be any higher than they are now, the M1 looked like it'd suit my needs, so I pulled the trigger.

I traded in my iPhone 11 for my 12 Pro Max, and got a reasonable price for it.

If newer models of the M series come out next year, I’ll contemplate doing the same.

I’ve been on a roll with Apple products lately. They’ve been getting plenty of dough from me .

 

[ADGrant]

In your pros for the Pro, you missed the most important one, the active cooling system aka fan. If you plan to run sustained loads, that will be important.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

In your pros for the Pro, you missed the most important one, the active cooling system aka fan. If you plan to run sustained loads, that will be important.

That’s a very good point.

It will also add to the longevity of the device.

 

[spinstorm]

I have used both the Air and MBP M1 Macs

I returned the it for the Pro.

And the first thing I noticed was the MBP is noticeably heavier than the Air. And noticeably more awkward to hold and type on than the Air.

I realise the Pro is narrower than the Air at it’s widest point but the taper makes a huge difference. Plus the weight.

I chose the Pro because I wanted the slightly better specs and Touch Bar but I have to be honest I kind of wish I kept the Air...

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I have used both the Air and MBP M1 Macs

I returned the it for the Pro.

And the first thing I noticed was the MBP is noticeably heavier than the Air. And noticeably more awkward to hold and type on than the Air.

I realise the Pro is narrower than the Air at it’s widest point but the taper makes a huge difference. Plus the weight.

I chose the Pro because I wanted the slightly better specs and Touch Bar but I have to be honest I kind of wish I kept the Air...

Could you not just return the Pro and buy another Air?

I’ve never used a Touch Bar before, and I’m intrigued to try it. Most people seem to dislike it, whereas you appear to like it. What is it about it that you like?

 

[James_C]

I went for the Air rather than the Pro, primarily because I had a 2016 MBP with Touch Bar and after initially liking the Touch Bar, I ended up hating it. Primarily if you touch type its a hinderance as it forces you to move your hand position and look at the keyboard and it was too easy to accidentally touch one of the virtual keys, specifically the Esc Key and Send Mail. Apple have I think listened to feedback and now the esc key is a physical key, rather than a virtual one on the first generation devices.

The tapered design of the air, does make it more comfortable to type on compared to my 2016 MBP.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I went for the Air rather than the Pro, primarily because I had a 2016 MBP with Touch Bar and after initially liking the Touch Bar, I ended up hating it. Primarily if you touch type its a hinderance as it forces you to move your hand position and look at the keyboard and it was too easy to accidentally touch one of the virtual keys, specifically the Esc Key and Send Mail. Apple have I think listened to feedback and now the esc key is a physical key, rather than a virtual one on the first generation devices.

The tapered design of the air, does make it more comfortable to type on compared to my 2016 MBP.

I actually returned a 2016 MBP because the hinges creaked.

Sounded really cheap.

However, I know what you mean about it being uncomfortable to type on. Not very ergonomic at that size, as you have to stretch further to reach the keys. Surely the 13” MBP will be more comfortable, though?

I‘m actually looking forward to the Touch Bar. I’m hoping I’m going to like it.

 

[James_C]

I‘m actually looking forward to the Touch Bar. I’m hoping I’m going to like it.

Many people do like the Touch Bar and it has been improved with a physical 'Esc' key, so hopefully you will love it.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Many people do like the Touch Bar and it has been improved with a physical 'Esc' key, so hopefully you will love it.

Thanks, buddy.

I’m hoping so.

 

[deeddawg]

I have used both the Air and MBP M1 Macs

I returned the it for the Pro.

And the first thing I noticed was the MBP is noticeably heavier than the Air. And noticeably more awkward to hold and type on than the Air.

I realise the Pro is narrower than the Air at it’s widest point but the taper makes a huge difference. Plus the weight.

I chose the Pro because I wanted the slightly better specs and Touch Bar but I have to be honest I kind of wish I kept the Air...

Interesting observations.

My experience is almost the exact opposite in comparing my early-2020 MBA against my M1 MBP.

Weight difference is 110gm - 1.29kg vs 1.4kg - so MBP is ~8.5% heavier (3.8oz difference) -- yes, I can notice it when lifting the two of them in comparison, but in practice I've found it to be immaterial.

I personally didn't notice anything one way or another about the slope - contrary to what I anticipated. MBP is very comfortable to use whether desktop or in my lap.

Out of curiosity I measured the MBA slope using the Measure/Level app/function on my phone and it's a 1 degree slope. Looks like more (due to the shape) so I can see where the perception would come from, but the actual amount is small.

Definitely show that personal perception is a factor and folks probably ought to see for themselves.

 

[deeddawg]

Many people do like the Touch Bar and it has been improved with a physical 'Esc' key, so hopefully you will love it.

Yep - and upon finding the Keyboard setting to turn on the Expanded Control Strip (making the TB display the Fn keyrow hotkey actions), I'm much happier with it.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Interesting observations.

My experience is almost the exact opposite in comparing my early-2020 MBA against my M1 MBP.

Weight difference is 110gm - 1.29kg vs 1.4kg - so MBP is ~8.5% heavier (3.8oz difference) -- yes, I can notice it when lifting the two of them in comparison, but in practice I've found it to be immaterial.

I personally didn't notice anything one way or another about the slope - contrary to what I anticipated. MBP is very comfortable to use whether desktop or in my lap.

Out of curiosity I measured the MBA slope using the Measure/Level app/function on my phone and it's a 1 degree slope. Looks like more (due to the shape) so I can see where the perception would come from, but the actual amount is small.

Definitely show that personal perception is a factor and folks probably ought to see for themselves.

Thanks for the info.

Digressing, I’ve been watching tutorial videos on YouTube for the Touch Bar (I’ve never used one) and I’m really looking forward to playing around with it.

 

[zedsdead]

If comfort and typing are your main concern, the Air is definitely a better experience. The taper makes a huge difference.

 

[deeddawg]

If comfort and typing are your main concern, the Air is definitely a better experience. The taper makes a huge difference.

Which year/model MBP did you use when comparing MBA / MBP?

I ask because older MBPs were notably "sharper" somehow than the more recent ones, which could potentially skew perceptions if one wasn't comparing recent models.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Which year/model MBP did you use when comparing MBA / MBP?

I ask because older MBPs were notably "sharper" somehow than the more recent ones, which could potentially skew perceptions if one wasn't comparing recent models.

I’m pretty sure by this point that I made the right decision in going with the MBP.

 

[Polo2883]

I am going from a 2018 15" Macbook Pro to the Macbook Air 8GPU 16GB Ram and 1TB config.

I usually max out the ram just in case since it's no upgradable.

I got my wife the MBA with 8GB Ram and 512GB HD. I have used it a couple of times and it does seem good enough for everything I am going to need as well. I get lazy at times and rather than firing up my work laptop I just use my personal laptop to remote into work or work on GCP using CLI.

 

[KShopper]

For me, when I had the 13" MBP I noticed the front edge when typing while sitting at a table, so my arms would be a little higher than a normal ergonomic typing situation. I prefer the Air in general, lean and mean!

I also detest the Touchbar, from experience.

There are two types of people on this forum, the ones who worry about things like "long-term resale value" and "future proofing" and "sustained cpu loads" which are almost all completely FUD bunk in my opinion. You KNOW if you need a computer with sustained cpu loads. The M1 MBA only drops about 10-15% performance in sustained loads anyway, so not a big deal, and most people will probably never experience it with day to day surfing, email, zoom, etc. and wouldn't notice if they did unless they are timing things with a stopwatch.

Plus you're going to end up paying 30% or more than a base Air for "peace of mind". Another way to look at it is just plan on upgrading to the M3 in 2 years and lose that 30% when you sell the used Air.

And the other type - I really like the idea of using the lightest, most comfortable, most efficient, completely silent, most performant laptop ever made.

My prediction is that the M1 Air is going to go down as an all-time classic Mac. Once they do the redesign Apple won't be able to help themselves from reducing the thermal capacity of the new thinner, lighter form factor and we'll be back to more extreme throttling, etc.

 

[manuel.s90]

I've had a MBP for the last six years and have to set that I definitely find the MacBook Air form factor much nicer to type on. Moreover, all the MBPs I've had started creaking slightly if you slightly pressed on the area where your palms would typically rest. No creaking whatsoever with the MacBook Air.

On top of all that, I love the fact that my laptop no longer has a touch bar.

 

[bill-p]

So the golden question: Is the M1 as amazing as literally everyone is stating??

It depends on your workflow. When I sold my 16" MacBook, I demonstrated to the buyer how the M1 would crash or freeze with some apps in Rosetta 2.

And yes, it's that easy to demonstrate. Some apps just don't work right at all with Rosetta 2.

It's mostly up to your workflow at this point. If most of your apps are already updated to run natively on M1, and you know the remaining apps won't run into issues with Rosetta 2, then you'll find the machine awesome.

If your workflow runs into roadblocks... (for instance, a lot of coding frameworks need to be updated, and the fixes are not "simple recompile" as Apple promised) then you are much better off waiting for another 6 - 8 months for apps to resolve themselves.

That's my objective look at the M1 situation. Performance, battery life, build quality, etc... are probably just as good as you can imagine, because the media keeps gushing about it, but I think app compatibility is the number 1 biggest issue right now.

It's not even M1. It's just that Big Sur itself is still quite unstable, and Apple has a lot of work to do to make it more stable.